Should You Buy An Mp3 Player Or An Ipod?
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Apple will be pulling out all the stops this year to make sure as many people as possible buy their range of iPods.Apple’s market leading product has been updated again this year to give us even more choice than before.I’ve been collecting some thoughts on whether the iPod is indeed better than an MP3 player, and am putting them into this article below.
1. What do you actually want?
Which features do you really require, and which option will give that to you? The list below outlines them:
Benefits of the MP3 PLayer
- Plays music files
- Usually cheaper
- Often larger capacity storage
- Some can play videos
- Supports a wide variety of music files
iPod
- Also plays music files
- Show pictures/videos
- Supports Apple compatible files via iTunes
- Really easy to use
- Looks pretty cool!
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use system then the iPod wins hands down.Unfortunately that ease of use comes at some price- iPod’s are typically more expensive than their standard MP3 counterparts.Many of the Cheapest portable MP3 Players are great fun, but aren’t quite as easy to use as the iPod.
The iTunes Question
Many hardcore computer people will tell you that iTunes is a load of rubbish.In my opinion iTunes does a few things very well, though it’s not the most flexible piece of software. In my opinion, iTunes is a little clumbsy but does have some really nice features.ITunes can also be used by practically anyone.
People dislike iTunes for a few good reasons.
- Some argue it’s just a vehicle for iTunes store
- It’s a pretty slow piece of software
- The software is constantly needing to be updated
An MP3 player can therefore offer you a more flexible software option, since you can use Windows explorer instead of iTunes.But once again, iTunes will be better for a novice user.If you’re using an iPod and are concerned about iTunes, there’s plenty of other software on the market that will work with your player such as sharepod.
Looks
You might think iPods are the only good looking players around; they aren’t! The other companies making MP3 players are catching up.Few companies have replicaed the intuitive interface of the Apple product, though.Choose an iPod if you’re really that worried about how the device works when you’re using it.
Cost
As I mentioned before, the Cheapest portable MP3 Players are going to be a helluva lot cheaper than an Apple product.Then again, what you’re paying for with Apple is the interface and ease-of-use, rather than the quality of build.Actually, MP3 players often have a better battery life and more storage than the iPod equivilant.
Other things to consider
If not looked after, the headphones that come with your iPod won’t last terribly long.Getting a straight MP3 player will probably land you with better earphones, too.The creative headphones I got with my new laptop are brill, and much better than the ones that came with my Classic.Factor in the cost of another set if you want to buy the iPod.
Summary
If you’re looking for the Cheapest portable MP3 Players, and you’re not too bothered about how it looks then go for a generic or Creative one.On the other hand, if you’re buying it for someone who’s not terribly computer literate then an iPod’s definitely your best bet.Which do I prefer? I’ve used both and still think Apple have a winner on their hands; let’s just see how long they can keep coming up with the goods!
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